[Bilateral cystoid macular edema in an older female patient with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU syndrome)].

BACKGROUND

TINU-Syndrome (Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis) is a rare immune-mediated disease, primarily occurring in children and young women. Uveitis may precede, follow or occur concomitantly with nephritis. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy.

METHODS

A 73-year old female patient with tubulointerstitial nephritis and recurrences of anterior uveitis was diagnosed having TINU syndrome. During follow-up she developed bilateral cystoid macular edema with accompanying visual loss. Nephritis and uveitis responded well to oral corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Uveitis screening should exclude renal disease independent of the age of the patient. Diagnosis can often be inferred from anamnesis, physical examination, or laboratory tests. Renal biopsy as the most definite method of diagnosis may be necessary. Ophthalmologic follow-up on a regular basis is mandatory for a successful management of long-term complications.